Lou Phillips American actor Date of Birth: 17.02.1962 Country: USA

1. Biography of Lou Diamond Phillips
2. Early Career and Breakthrough
3. Career and Personal Life
4. Broadway Debut and Legal Issues
5. Recent Career and Philanthropy

Biography of Lou Diamond Phillips

Lou Diamond Phillips is an American actor known for his work in theater and television. He was born on February 17, 1962, in Subic Bay, Philippines, to a military officer father, Gerald Apacherch, and a Filipino-Spanish mother, Lucita Apacherch. His father had Scottish-Irish, Hawaiian, and Native American ancestry, while his mother was of Filipino descent. Lou was named after the sea legend Lou Diamond. After his parents' separation, he took his stepfather's surname, Phillips.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Lou began his career with a low-budget film called "Trespasses" and later took a break. It was during the filming of this movie that he met Julie Cypher, the director's assistant, and they began a relationship that ended in marriage. In 1987, he portrayed his most famous role in the movie "La Bamba," which received critical acclaim. Despite the praise, it was difficult for Lou to find good roles in Hollywood blockbusters. He appeared in films such as "Stand and Deliver" (1988) with Edward James Olmos and "Young Guns" (1988) and its sequel "Young Guns II" (1990) with Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland.

Career and Personal Life

In the early 1990s, Lou Phillips appeared less frequently in major films and focused on television series and low-budget movies. Some of the films he appeared in during this time include "The Dark Wind," "Extreme Justice," "Dangerous Touch," "Sioux City," "Courage Under Fire," and "Brokedown Palace." In his personal life, Lou went through a divorce with Julie Cypher in August 1990 and later started a relationship with rock singer Melissa Etheridge.

Broadway Debut and Legal Issues

In 1996, Lou made his Broadway debut in the play "The King and I," which earned him the Theatre World Award and nominations for Tony Award and Drama Desk Award. In 2006, he faced legal issues when he was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend, Yvonne Marie Boisseau, who later became his wife. Lou was sentenced to three years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

Recent Career and Philanthropy

In 2007, Lou Phillips toured the United States with the production of "Camelot" and also appeared in the TV series "24" as a secret agent. During the same year, he and Yvonne Marie welcomed their daughter, Indigo Sanara. Currently, Lou continues to act in theater and television series. His recent works include appearances in the series "Numb3rs" and "Stargate Universe." He has also participated in the World Poker Tour in Hollywood.

Lou Diamond Phillips has received several awards throughout his career, including the Independent Spirit Award (1989), Oxfam America Award (1993), Lone Star Film & Television Award (1997), Cinemanila Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award (2003), and Asia Pacific Islander Heritage Award (2005). In recent years, he has been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various organizations in the Philippines.